13 Ways to Instill Healthy Habits in Children

Breaking habits is not as easy as preventing them. Creating good habits has a lasting effect on a child’s personality. A child wants to be exactly like their parents so, as parents, you need to practice what you preach. The following are 13 ways in which you can give your child healthy habits.

1. Positivity

Your positivity will rub off on them especially in the initial years. Everything you do leaves a mark on the way they think. The last thing you and your child needs is for them to grow up being pessimistic. Your child doesn’t like to hear what they can’t do so tell them what they can do. Praise them when they do a good job. If you need help being positive it may be beneficial to start taking a supplement. You can check out Scams Review to find out which one is best suited for your needs.

2. Realistic Expectations For Yourself

Parents that are high achievers may expect the same from their children, but a child’s only job is to learn and play. You can’t expect adult behavior from children. All they want is your attention.

3. Family Bonding

It’s important to teach your child about all of their family and how to act towards them. Make the time to see them and have fun with your extended family. You should also make family dinners a priority since it will help your child consume more healthy food. It has been shown that a child with strong family relations will grow up to be confident and have a more positive outlook than a child who didn’t.

4. Rules

Every child needs rules and routines. Structure helps their mental development. Make sure the routine is flexible and gives adequate time for playing since it’s great for both their physical and mental development.

5. Help Them Understand

Educate your child on the importance of eating healthy by making it fun to read nutrition labels. If they insist on picking up something unhealthy at the supermarket, show them which ingredients aren’t healthy. This skill will go a long way in the long run.

6. Rewards

It’s very important how you reward your child. Don’t reward them with treats or an hour of TV. Try to reward them with intangible things like a hug or words of appreciation.

7. Physical Activity

Being a couch potato is unfortunately a very easy habit to fall into. Encourage physical activity by going outside with your kids and playing with them. You are the best example they need.

8. Stay Involved

Being involved means staying up-to-date. As a child gets older, they will want to tell you less about what is going on their lives, but staying “in the know” will help you keep an eye on your kid’s emotional status.

9. Be a Role Model

Your child learns most of their behaviors from watching yours. So be the best you, so they can learn to be their best selves.

10. Cook Together

Cooking in general is a great stress reliever. It is also a great way to bond with your child when they are old enough to help. You can keep things real simple. For example, they can help take out ingredients for you with your guidance.

11. Responsibility

Getting a child to be responsible is not an easy task. There are a few ways though that you can do it. If it works for your family, your home, and your child is old enough, you may consider getting your child a pet. This will give them a sense of responsibility. You can also give something to your child and tell them to keep it safe to test their accountability. These are just small steps to make your kids more responsible.

12. Say No But Also Say Yes

Your child should know that when you say ‘no’, it’s the final call. You don’t want your child to become an arrogant person that always gets away with anything. Don’t immediately say ‘no’, listen to what your child is asking, and try to say ‘yes’, especially if it’s for something fun and even if it means a change in their schedule.

13. Love

The best thing you can give to your child is love. Your child relies on you for everything. If you give them the love and respect they deserve, it will definitely keep them genuinely happy and love you too. Keep giving those cuddles and kisses.

About Sari Thompson

Sari Thompson is a health coach and mom of 4 who loves bringing a greater awareness of healthy eating to families. She has also been involved in the alternative health industry for many years, particularly with reviewing natural health supplements, to educate people about the pros and pitfalls of different products out there.

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